To say the world is experiencing supply chain challenges is a vast understatement. From shortages to delays, the world is struggling on all sides of the supply chain. Is there any way to create a positive impact? According to Sarah Scudder from Source Day in Texas, creating efficiencies at the start of the supply chain can help with problems that can occur at the end of it for manufacturers. She was the host of a recent chat for USA Manufacturing Hour on Twitter and shared some insights with participants.

A supply chain is a series of links between companies and suppliers for the purpose of producing and distributing a product to a final buyer. This network of links includes various entities such as manufacturers, producers, warehouses, logistics services, distribution centers and retailers. When it comes to supply chain management, a healthy supply chain helps get a product successfully and profitably from the planning phases to the end user in a reasonable amount of time. Healthy supply chains help reduce costs for companies as well as help them stay competitive in the marketplace.

These five stages of a supply chain outline the basics of what it takes to transform raw materials into finished products successfully and profitably.